Travis Hunter, the brightest prospect of the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars, is poised to break out. He’ll have his two-way debut on Saturday night—just in time for the most popular preseason game, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hunter will participate as both a receiver and cornerback, showcasing his versatility on the field. This major development comes on the heels of his first two-way appearance in a real game setting last Friday in a controlled scrimmage at EverBank Stadium.
Hunter spent a lot of time on the practice field this week getting ready for the all-star matchup. He completed drills designed to develop his offensive and defensive abilities. His work ethic and dedication to his craft — both behind the plate and at third base — have impressed his teammates and coaches. Head coach Liam Coen knows Hunter can carry the load. He reiterated that the Jaguars’ starters will play a half against the Steelers.
Buccaneer’s center Robert Hainsey went on to question the team’s plan. Recently, he had an interesting conversation about how he distributes playing time between players with Coen. Hainsey’s insights reflect a proactive approach to ensuring the team’s effectiveness as they prepare for the game. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is leading the active discussions in looking further ahead. His most frequent partner, though, is DiRocco, the Paper of Record’s consummate professional and seven-time APSE winner.
The Jaguars have only one more joint practice on the books — in Miami on August 21. This ruling makes this week’s trainings all the more important, as they are continuing to finalize their playbook for the Flacco-less match-up against the Steelers. Opinions on Hunter’s ideal position range from the very enthusiastic to the deeply skeptical. In the words of media personality Stephen A. Smith, “He should only be thinking about defense.”
As the game’s playable protagonist, Hunter’s dual roles as agile killer and beastmaster paints a picture of his versatility. Beyond that, it solidifies the Jaguars’ broader plan as they prepare for the 2023 campaign. His ability to switch between positions could provide a tactical advantage, depending on how well he integrates into the game plan devised by Coen and executed by his teammates.
Now, as the Jaguars prepare for their rematch with the Steelers, everyone including the Jaguars should be keeping an eye on Hunter. His performance could set a precedent for future two-way players within the league and shape the trajectory of his career with Jacksonville.
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